94 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



good, concentrated food, given damp ; water frequently, 

 in limited quantity, but withheld before hard, fast work. 

 Laxatives and salines occasionally. Rock salt, chalk, or 

 whiting in manger. Linseed oil, with lime water, daily, 

 in drench or with food; ^ to 1 grain of arsenic, in the 

 form of Fowler's solution, may be given daily, or every 

 other day, for months. Prof. Dick's cough balls occa- 

 sionally, consisting of 30 grains each of calomel, opium, 

 digitalis, and camphor. If used daily for a week or more, 

 omit calomel. 



For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 



The diaphragm is a large muscle separating the chest 

 from the abdomen. Its spasms are caused by overexer- 

 tion. It is also sometimes seen in lock-jaw. Its thump- 

 ings, sometimes audible at ten paces off, are often con- 

 founded with palpitation of the heart. It may be dis- 

 tinguished from the latter (1) by a convulsive movement 

 of the whole body; (2) by difficult breathing; (3) the 

 pulse is small and weak and not synchronous with the 

 beat of the diaphragm ; (4) the heart beat is barely per- 

 ceptible; (5) sometimes profuse sweats and harassing 

 cough. 



Remedy. — Quiet; warm clothing. Good, diffusible 

 stimulant. If symptoms continue, give opium. If the 

 difficult breathing is dangerous, moderate bleeding. 



For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



Rupture of the diaphragm is common, but is usually 

 perhaps the result of after death swelling. Great inter- 

 nal violence may cause it during life. 



Hernia of the diaphragm is like ruptured diaphragm. 



